A comprehensive guide on the Best Yogurt for Babies and Toddlers? Yes, please! Find out when you can start serving yogurt, which brands are the best, the ingredient list breakdown, and how to serve yogurt to your baby and toddler. And as a bonus, you’ll also learn 9 delicious ways to flavor plain yogurt! Great for 6+ months regardless of whether you are doing baby food purees or baby-led weaning.

Graphic for post - yogurt for babies - best brands, benefits and recipes. Images are in a grid of cups of yogurt, tubes of yogurt and a clear bowl with blue spoon with yogurt on it.

Medically reviewed and co-written by Jamie Johnson, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), and Lauren Braaten, Pediatric Occupational Therapist (OT).

Yogurt for Babies and Toddlers

Wondering what the best yogurt for your baby is and at what age you can serve it? Confused with all of the options in the grocery store?

I did all the research and made this in-depth guide just for you! 😘

In this post we will cover what to look for in yogurt for baby, a round-up of our favorite brands, the difference between Greek and plain yogurt, a list of dairy-free options, when you can safely introduce yogurt to your baby, how to serve to them as a solid food for baby-led weaning, plus 9 great ways to flavor plain yogurt for your baby and toddler, and so much more!

Phew, that sounds like a ton of info 😰, but I promise I made it as concise and complete as possible… cuz I know you have better things to do than spending hours reading about yogurt.

If you are looking for more easy and healthy recipes for your little one, then be sure to check out my 3-Ingredient Banana PancakesSpinach WafflesEggs for Baby – 10 Ways, or this delicious Homemade Strawberry Applesauce. You can also find more recipes and information in my best-selling cookbook Little Foodies: Recipes for Babies and Toddlers with Taste.

Yogurt for Baby Video

Watch this video to find out more information and how to easily flavor plain yogurt for your baby and toddler.

Small glass jar with spoon resting on top.

What to Look for in a Yogurt for Baby

When shopping for yogurt for your baby, the ingredient list should be pretty short:

  • made with whole milk
  • plain or no added sugar
  • has a variety of live active cultures
  • organic, if possible

Whole Milk (Full-Fat)

Whole milk is important for babies because they need healthy fats to develop muscles and bones. Milk is also one of the most important nutrients for brain development. Babies and toddlers need about 31-35 grams of fat a day (30-40% of total calories), depending on activity level, and most of it comes from healthy fats.

Live Active Cultures

Cultures commonly used in yogurts are L. bulgaricus, S. thermophilus, L. acidophilus, Bifidus, L. casei, and L. rhamnosus. These live active cultures do two things: They make the milk turn into yogurt during the fermentation process, and they also provide the gut with probiotics. Probiotics, or good bacteria, are the good guys helping your baby maintain a healthy gut.

Plain or Unsweetened

Always opt for plain or unsweetened yogurt for your baby and toddlers. Sweetened yogurt can have up to 4 teaspoons of added cane sugar in it, which is way too much for babies and toddlers. You can find 9 fun ways to naturally flavor yogurt below.

Organic (if possible)

Yogurt made from organic milk will be free of synthetic pesticides, artificial hormones, antibiotics, and GMOs, which may be potentially harmful to your baby. Generally, the price difference between organic yogurt vs. standard yogurt isn’t huge — you’ll get an average of $0.14 for an ounce of standard yogurt vs. $0.17 for an ounce of organic yogurt. With all that said, you need to do what’s right for your family and budget.

Best yogurt for babies - the best organic plain whole milk and plant based yogurts.

Favorite Brands

Here are some of my favorite brands of yogurt that you can easily find at almost any supermarket. All yogurts taste slightly different, so if your baby doesn’t like one yogurt, you can easily switch to another brand.

Organic Varieties

Other Varieties

Greek vs. Plain yogurt

Both Greek and standard yogurts are excellent options for your baby and toddlers.

Greek yogurt is strained three times, so it has more protein and a thicker consistency. It also has a more sour taste, which can sometimes be a bit much for some babies or toddlers.

On the other hand, standard yogurt is not typically strained, so it has less protein and a thinner texture. The flavor of standard yogurt is definitely less tart than any Greek variety.

While we generally think that more protein will be better, for young babies and toddlers with still-developing digestive tracts, more protein might be too much for them. Plus, the slightly acidic flavor can be off-putting to some babies and toddlers.

I recommend starting with the standard yogurt and adding Greek yogurt to the menu once your baby is comfortable with yogurt.

Greek yogurt is great:

  • for some babies and toddlers
  • mixed into purees for babies
  • mixed into applesauce for toddlers
  • spooned into reusable pouches (makes them thicker, so they don’t drip as much)
  • for yogurt parfaits
  • for baking

Standard yogurt is great:

  • for all babies and toddlers without a dairy allergy
  • for smoothies
  • mixed into purees for babies
  • mixed into applesauce for toddlers
  • for baking
  • picky eaters

Dairy-Free Options

Plant-based yogurts have grown in popularity in the last couple of years, and I am a huge supporter of serving them to babies, regardless if the baby has a dairy allergy or not. Serving almond, oat, and coconut yogurts to babies will help them gain a wide range of nutrients as well as expand their taste buds. Just like whole milk yogurts, you are looking for dairy-free yogurts that are full of healthy fats (no skim or fat-free) and unsweetened. However, dairy-free yogurts may not provide some of the essential nutrients that dairy varieties provide, like protein and calcium, so make sure your baby is getting those nutrients elsewhere, or the yogurt is fortified. 

Favorite dairy-free brands

9 small jars of yogurts with fun mix-ins (sugar free).

Frequently Asked Questions

When can you introduce yogurt to baby?

You can introduce yogurt to your baby anywhere between 6-8 months of age. Since yogurt is nutrient-dense, I recommend serving it to your baby as one of their first foods but consult your pediatrician if there is someone in the family with a dairy allergy. You may be advised to wait until your baby is closer to 6 months. You can introduce plain yogurt to your baby as is, or you can mix a small teaspoon of yogurt with a baby food puree that your baby is already familiar with.


Can yogurt be baby’s first food?

Dairy yogurt is a common allergen and it is recommended to wait to introduce the top eight allergen foods to your baby once a few other well-tolerated foods have been introduced, especially if your baby is at high risk for food allergies.


Is yogurt a common allergen for baby?

Yes, yogurt made from cow’s milk is one of the most common food allergens, so, as with any food, start with a small portion and be aware of any signs that might be an allergic reaction after introducing it. You may want to talk with your pediatrician about how to safely introduce dairy yogurt if your baby has severe eczema or other food allergies.


Does yogurt cause constipation for babies?

Yogurt may cause constipation in some babies that are sensitive to dairy.

Yogurt for Baby-Led Weaning

Yogurt is still an excellent first food for baby-led weaning. You can simply load up a spoon (this or this one are two of my favorites) and hand the spoon with the yogurt to your baby for them to feed themselves. As they get older, you can place the yogurt into a bowl or sectioned plate and hand your baby the spoon to load and feed themselves.

grid of yogurt for babies with 9 fun flavor added in!

What to Look for in a Yogurt for Toddlers

Finding a great yogurt for toddlers is the same as for babies – you are looking for a plain whole milk (full-fat) yogurt. You can add in fruit, flavors, spices and a touch of sweetener (maple syrup, honey or agave nectar) if your toddler prefers.

Feeding Tips

  • Make sure your baby is showing readiness signs for eating – good control of their head and trunk, sitting with minimal assistance, bringing hands or toys to their mouth, and appearing interested in your food when you’re eating.
  • Follow your baby’s lead – when feeding purees from a spoon, sometimes there’s a tendency to keep offering bites past the point of your baby being full. Always follow baby’s cues for when they are done eating. Turning away from the spoon, closing her mouth, or pushing food away are all signs that baby is finished with the meal.
  • Pre-loading a spoon is a great way to help your baby be more successful in the early stages of self-feeding. Simply dip a spoon like the NumNum GOOtensil or ChooMee Starter Spoon into a slightly thicker puree, such as oatmeal, Greek yogurt or mashed avocado so that it sticks to the utensil and allow baby to grab the spoon.
  • Throwing spoons is a common phase that all babies go through at one point or another. One of the best ways to handle spoon throwing is to ignore it and keep feeding baby as usual (with an extra spoon you already have at the table). If baby ends up also throwing back up spoons #2 AND #3, simply encourage your baby to eat with their hands until they appear to be finished with the meal.

9 Great Ways to Flavor Plain Yogurt

Here are 9 delicious and fun ways to flavor plain yogurt for both babies and toddlers:

Peanut, Almond, or Seed Butter

Adding nut or seed butter into the yogurt does not only enrich the yogurt with a fun, nutty taste, but it is also a way to gently expose your baby to nuts (read more here about introducing nuts to your baby). You can add a drizzle of maple syrup or honey for a sweeter meal for toddlers over the age of one.

Veggie or Fruit Puree

You can stir in any homemade or store-bought puree into yogurt, which means you literally have endless options on how to flavor plain yogurt. Don’t be afraid to play around and find out what flavor combo your baby likes best!

Applesauce

You can use unsweetened applesauce or an apple puree to give plain yogurt a sweet, fruity taste without adding sugar or honey. Both of my kids love this option.

Mashed Banana and a Pinch of Cinnamon

This one is SO good; it could pass as a dessert. Simply mash some ripe banana, add a pinch of cinnamon, and mix a little yogurt for a luscious option.

Mashed Berries

I have found that using thawed frozen berries gives the yogurt a sweet taste without the extra sugar. I usually thaw my berries and then smash them on a cutting board with the back of a fork before adding them to yogurt. You can use any frozen fruit you have on hand — strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, peaches, cherries, kiwi, pineapple, raspberries, etc.

Cacao Powder

This one is pleasantly and irresistibly delicious. You can even add a drizzle of maple syrup or honey for toddlers over the age of one, and call it a dessert. Note that Cacao powder is different than cocoa powder. Cacao powder isn’t as refined and is considered a superfood. It is high in antioxidants and flavonoids, which makes it an excellent choice for boosting brain functions. Cacao is also higher in protein, fiber, magnesium, and iron than plain unsweetened cocoa powder. However, if cacao isn’t an option, cocoa will also work; just make sure it’s unsweetened.

Avocado

Adding avocado is a fun, appetizing way to amp up the flavor of plain yogurt. You can also serve this combo on a piece of toast sticks.

Oat Baby Cereal

This is an ideal option for babies that love oat cereal. Adding plain whole milk to yogurts makes the cereal even more nutritious with essential fats and nutrients. I also recommend adding a pinch of cinnamon or cloves to make the dish taste more distinct.

Orange Juice and Vanilla

Using freshly squeezed oranges will boost the vitamin C and add a citrus twist to the yogurt. Vanilla extract brings out the flavor of orange juice, but it is optional.

Storage

You can store plain or mixed yogurt (like the recipes above) in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can freeze yogurt in air-tight containers or freezer trays for up to 2 months.

Favorite Recipes

Here are some more favorite recipes on how to serve yogurt to your baby and toddler.

graphic for post - glass container with a rainbow of yogurt melts

Homemade Yogurt Melts for Baby

4.64 stars (46 ratings)
These 2-Ingredient Healthy Yogurt Melts are great for babies and toddlers as a cold refreshing treat, as a gumming tool to help ease teething pain, or for a quick yummy snack!
Get the recipe
Image is of a white cutting board with produce scattered with a small bowl filled with baby food puree.

Pumpkin, Yogurt + Prune Baby Food Puree

5 stars (8 ratings)
A fun seasonal baby food puree that takes only 15 minutes to make and is packed with vitamin A, beta carotene, potassium, protein and iron just from the pumpkin.
Get the recipe
A pink bowl and plate filled with a white yogurt and strawberry purée swirled in against a white background.

Quick 4-Ingredient Strawberry Yogurt

5 stars (5 ratings)
Nourishing, kid-friendly Strawberry Yogurt coming right up! Add a little flavor to plain yogurt by making this easy and healthy Strawberry Yogurt. Great for breakfast, snack, simple dessert or packed into a school lunch. For ages 6+ months.
Get the recipe
A purple bowl filled with star shaped peanut butter banana melts for baby.

Peanut Butter Banana Melts for Baby + Toddler

5 stars (21 ratings)
These peanut butter banana melts are a perfect healthy frozen treat for baby. Made with 3 ingredients, they are quick to make and are great for baby-led weaning and can help relive teething pains.
Get the recipe
A white background with different flavored yogurt tubes and pouches scattered about.

DIY Yogurt Tubes & Pouches (5 minutes)

5 stars (3 ratings)
Homemade yogurt tubes and pouches will have you feeling like the smartest parent on the block! These DIY yogurt snacks are made in just 5 minutes with minimal ingredients and are budget-friendly.
Get the recipe
A purple color plate with two swirled strawberry yogurt popsicles and sliced strawberries against a white background.

Strawberry Yogurt Popsicle

5 stars (4 ratings)
These 4-ingredient Strawberry Yogurt Popsicles are easy to make and are seriously delicious for the entire family!
Get the recipe
A white background with a teal kids plate with a blue kids bowl full of blueberry yogurt.

Flavorful Blueberry Yogurt (3-Ingredients)

5 stars (1 rating)
Ready for a fun twist on plain yogurt? This Blueberry Yogurt is swoon-worthy delicious, blends up quickly, and is perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert for the entire family – from baby to you! For ages 6+ months.
Get the recipe
Yogurt muffins on a purple plate with a purple napkin.

Quick-Baked Muffins with Greek Yogurt (Kid Friendly!)

5 stars (15 ratings)
Delicious, protein-filled muffins coming right up! These homemade Yogurt Muffins are easy and quick to make, plus you can customize them with a variety of fun toppings! 
Get the recipe
A blue and pink kids plate with yogurt pancakes on top some with blueberries on them and a side of strawberries.

Quick 15-Minute Greek Yogurt Pancakes (Kid Friendly!)

5 stars (4 ratings)
Say hello to your new favorite pancake recipe! These Yogurt Pancakes are a healthy, quick, and easy breakfast for kids and adults! Perfectly soft and fluffy, they're also filled with protein to keep everyone going all morning long. Great for a yummy breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even a snack. For ages 6+ months and Baby-Led Weaning!
Get the recipe

DID YOU TRY ANY OF THESE FUN YOGURT FLAVORS?
 I’D LOVE TO KNOW HOW IT TURNED OUT! LEAVE A COMMENT AND A ⭐️ RATING BELOW 👇

9 small jars of yogurts with fun mix-ins (sugar free).

Get the recipe: Best Yogurt for Babies & Toddlers (guide, recipes & more!)

4.9 stars (15 ratings)
Here are several different ways to add flavor to plain yogurt for your baby or toddler.

Ingredients 

Base Yogurt

  • 1/4 cup plain whole milk yogurt
  • plus one or more add-ins from below

Add-Ins

  • 2 tsp peanut, almond or seed butter
  • 2 ounces veggie or fruit puree, homemade or store-bought
  • 3 tbsp applesauce or apple puree, unsweetened
  • 3 tbsp mashed banana and pinch of cinnamon
  • 3 tbsp mashed berries, frozen and thawed berries are sweeter
  • 1 tsp cacao powder
  • 2 tbsp mashed avocado
  • 2 tbsp baby cereal of choice
  • 1 tbsp orange juice and a splash of vanilla extract

Instructions 

  • In a small bowl, mix together the ingredients you wish to flavor the yogurt with until smooth.
    White bowl against a white background with yogurt and baby food purée inside.

Notes

Age: 6 months and up
Yield:4-5 ounces for each flavor
Storage: store in an air-tight container in the fridge for up 3 days. 

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